The Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Rural Development:
- Authors: Fikeni, Thandokazi Gugu
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication in rural development , Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19747 , vital:43232
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Fikeni, Thandokazi Gugu
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication in rural development , Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19747 , vital:43232
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
The state and civil society in building a capable developmental state : a case of the National Department of Social Development and the Non Profit Organisations sector in South Africa
- Authors: Morkel, Candice
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55031 , vital:48824
- Description: The challenges in the relationship between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) in South Africa pose a risk to their ability to partner successfully in order to deliver government’s Constitutional obligations in meeting citizens’ developmental social welfare needs. Some contemporary theories of the state (such as pluralism and corporatism) as well as approaches to Public Administration and Management (such as co-production) support a collaborative approach between governments and civil society in order to address development challenges. Peter Evans’ (cf. 1995, 1997, 1998, 2008; 2014) expansive scholarship on embedded autonomy and building capable developmental states, suggests that a state that is sufficiently embedded in an intimate partnership with nonstate actors is more likely to achieve its development goals. However, these relations must also be autonomous and unfettered by private or sectional interests to circumvent the risk of neopatrimonialism and state capture. In view of growing critiques of economic growth as the primary marker of a developmental state, which prioritises the state’s relationship with private capital, Evans (ibid.) also argued for a more expanded definition of embedded autonomy. Building on Evan’s perspective, this study examines the relationship between the DSD and the NPO sector in South Africa to address the gap in the literature on how other forms of embedded autonomy (beyond the state-private sector nexus) may function in a developmental state. Its purpose is to make an original contribution to knowledge by examining how the achievement of South Africa’s Developmental Social Welfare (DSW) outcomes and the building of a capable developmental state may be affected by weaknesses in embeddedness, autonomy and state capacity. It argues that a relationship of trust and solidarity between the state and civil society that prioritises the well-being of people as the primary indicator of development, is a necessary feature of the capable developmental state. The study therefore provides insights into the interventions required to ensure collaborative and integrated service delivery between the state and civil society in South Africa. This is forged from an examination of the deeply held conflicting beliefs and expectations around the execution of the DSW mandate, the current tensions in the relationship, its intersections with the history of the non-profit sector in the apartheid welfare state and the challenges of transformation since 1994. In this respect, it fills a further gap in the literature by focusing on expanded, non-traditional state-society ties imagined by Evans’ conceptual framework of embedded autonomy and the developmental state. Furthermore, the study makes an elemental contribution to knowledge around co-production, which remains poorly formulated despite increasing interest and research in this area of Public Administration and Management (Gawlowski, 2018:72; Osborne, Radnor & Strokosch, 2016:644). This study used a qualitative design to derive meaning from indepth interviews with twentythree (23) knowledgeable experts representing the DSD (current and ex-staff members), NPOs, members of the Ministerial Committee for the 2013-2016 Review of the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997), NPO umbrella bodies and social justice activists. These were supplemented by a Focus Group Discussion comprising of nine (9) activists based at a grassroots NPO. Employing both an interpretive and constructivist approach, the design facilitated an in-depth examination of participants’ perceptions of the state’s constitutional obligation towards social justice through delivering DSW services in collaboration with the NPO Sector. The researcher used thematic content analysis to explore how weaknesses in the inter-play between embeddedness and autonomy in the DSW sector may explain the tensions between the DSD and NPOs. An analysis of the literature also helped in drawing linkages between weaknesses in embedded autonomy, building a capable developmental state and achieving the country’s DSW outcomes. The study found that the adversarial relationship between the DSD and NPOs has a negative effect on the rendering of DSW services to citizens, which places South Africa’s pursuit of a capable developmental state at risk. Applying a strategic-relational conceptualisation of the state, it argued how South Africa’s commitment to a participatory and people-centred approach to public policy and the protection of the socio-economic rights of citizens requires a fully engaged civil society, balanced by autonomy. Invoking a Gramscian lens, the study also provided an analysis of the potential for civil society to act as a counter-hegemonic force against the domination of global capital and the marketization of the state in order to protect the rights of the subaltern. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Morkel, Candice
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55031 , vital:48824
- Description: The challenges in the relationship between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) in South Africa pose a risk to their ability to partner successfully in order to deliver government’s Constitutional obligations in meeting citizens’ developmental social welfare needs. Some contemporary theories of the state (such as pluralism and corporatism) as well as approaches to Public Administration and Management (such as co-production) support a collaborative approach between governments and civil society in order to address development challenges. Peter Evans’ (cf. 1995, 1997, 1998, 2008; 2014) expansive scholarship on embedded autonomy and building capable developmental states, suggests that a state that is sufficiently embedded in an intimate partnership with nonstate actors is more likely to achieve its development goals. However, these relations must also be autonomous and unfettered by private or sectional interests to circumvent the risk of neopatrimonialism and state capture. In view of growing critiques of economic growth as the primary marker of a developmental state, which prioritises the state’s relationship with private capital, Evans (ibid.) also argued for a more expanded definition of embedded autonomy. Building on Evan’s perspective, this study examines the relationship between the DSD and the NPO sector in South Africa to address the gap in the literature on how other forms of embedded autonomy (beyond the state-private sector nexus) may function in a developmental state. Its purpose is to make an original contribution to knowledge by examining how the achievement of South Africa’s Developmental Social Welfare (DSW) outcomes and the building of a capable developmental state may be affected by weaknesses in embeddedness, autonomy and state capacity. It argues that a relationship of trust and solidarity between the state and civil society that prioritises the well-being of people as the primary indicator of development, is a necessary feature of the capable developmental state. The study therefore provides insights into the interventions required to ensure collaborative and integrated service delivery between the state and civil society in South Africa. This is forged from an examination of the deeply held conflicting beliefs and expectations around the execution of the DSW mandate, the current tensions in the relationship, its intersections with the history of the non-profit sector in the apartheid welfare state and the challenges of transformation since 1994. In this respect, it fills a further gap in the literature by focusing on expanded, non-traditional state-society ties imagined by Evans’ conceptual framework of embedded autonomy and the developmental state. Furthermore, the study makes an elemental contribution to knowledge around co-production, which remains poorly formulated despite increasing interest and research in this area of Public Administration and Management (Gawlowski, 2018:72; Osborne, Radnor & Strokosch, 2016:644). This study used a qualitative design to derive meaning from indepth interviews with twentythree (23) knowledgeable experts representing the DSD (current and ex-staff members), NPOs, members of the Ministerial Committee for the 2013-2016 Review of the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997), NPO umbrella bodies and social justice activists. These were supplemented by a Focus Group Discussion comprising of nine (9) activists based at a grassroots NPO. Employing both an interpretive and constructivist approach, the design facilitated an in-depth examination of participants’ perceptions of the state’s constitutional obligation towards social justice through delivering DSW services in collaboration with the NPO Sector. The researcher used thematic content analysis to explore how weaknesses in the inter-play between embeddedness and autonomy in the DSW sector may explain the tensions between the DSD and NPOs. An analysis of the literature also helped in drawing linkages between weaknesses in embedded autonomy, building a capable developmental state and achieving the country’s DSW outcomes. The study found that the adversarial relationship between the DSD and NPOs has a negative effect on the rendering of DSW services to citizens, which places South Africa’s pursuit of a capable developmental state at risk. Applying a strategic-relational conceptualisation of the state, it argued how South Africa’s commitment to a participatory and people-centred approach to public policy and the protection of the socio-economic rights of citizens requires a fully engaged civil society, balanced by autonomy. Invoking a Gramscian lens, the study also provided an analysis of the potential for civil society to act as a counter-hegemonic force against the domination of global capital and the marketization of the state in order to protect the rights of the subaltern. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
The State of Social Media Policy Awareness and Compliance at the Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Ngcama, Lwando
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Social Media , Awareness , Compliance -- Nelson Mandela University
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49550 , vital:41735
- Description: The use of social media in higher education has both benefits and pitfalls. Higher education institutions are concerned about their staff and students’ use of social media and have thus resorted to implementing social media policies and guidelines. The Nelson Mandela University has implemented a social media policy and guidelines to inform and enforce the acceptable use of social media by its staff and students. In order to know whether staff and students of the Nelson Mandela University are aware of and compliant with its policy and guidelines, it is necessary to measure their level of awareness and compliance. Within this context, the primary objective of this study is to describe the state of awareness and compliance of staff and students at the Nelson Mandela University towards its social media policy and social media guidelines. In order to address the primary objective, the uses, benefits and risks of social media in higher education were identified through a literature review. The literature review revealed that social media is used in higher education to support and manage teaching and learning, marketing and crisis management, and for other purposes which may be specific to higher education stakeholders (both staff and students). The risks of social media use in higher education were revealed to be associated with institutional reputation, online content, privacy, intellectual property and the types of media shared by the stakeholders. The role of social media policies and guidelines in higher education was then described, based on a preliminary literature study which reviewed social media policies and guidelines implemented in higher education. Furthermore, the aspects of awareness and compliance towards social media policies and ii guidelines in higher education were also discussed. A general guide for the creation of social media policies and guidelines was identified and used to compare the nature and content of South African public universities’ social media policies and guidelines. Through comparative content analysis, the content of the universities’ social media policy and guidelines was compared, similarities and variances between were drawn, and the role of social media policies and guidelines was further explored. Finally, the knowledge of staff and students at the Nelson Mandela University in respect to the university’s social media policy and guidelines was measured and described through the use of a survey questionnaire and statistical analysis of the data collected. The results of the analysis indicated an overall medium level of awareness for both staff and students, with a mean average score of 3.2; while both groups demonstrated an overall high level of compliance towards the social media policy and guidelines, with a mean average score of 4.3. By addressing the primary objective, the contribution made by this study thus informs the Nelson Mandela University of the extent to which its social media policy and guidelines align with those of other South African public universities, and it indicates where the Nelson Mandela University should look to improve its staff and students’ awareness of and compliance with its social media policy and guidelines. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Ngcama, Lwando
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Social Media , Awareness , Compliance -- Nelson Mandela University
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49550 , vital:41735
- Description: The use of social media in higher education has both benefits and pitfalls. Higher education institutions are concerned about their staff and students’ use of social media and have thus resorted to implementing social media policies and guidelines. The Nelson Mandela University has implemented a social media policy and guidelines to inform and enforce the acceptable use of social media by its staff and students. In order to know whether staff and students of the Nelson Mandela University are aware of and compliant with its policy and guidelines, it is necessary to measure their level of awareness and compliance. Within this context, the primary objective of this study is to describe the state of awareness and compliance of staff and students at the Nelson Mandela University towards its social media policy and social media guidelines. In order to address the primary objective, the uses, benefits and risks of social media in higher education were identified through a literature review. The literature review revealed that social media is used in higher education to support and manage teaching and learning, marketing and crisis management, and for other purposes which may be specific to higher education stakeholders (both staff and students). The risks of social media use in higher education were revealed to be associated with institutional reputation, online content, privacy, intellectual property and the types of media shared by the stakeholders. The role of social media policies and guidelines in higher education was then described, based on a preliminary literature study which reviewed social media policies and guidelines implemented in higher education. Furthermore, the aspects of awareness and compliance towards social media policies and ii guidelines in higher education were also discussed. A general guide for the creation of social media policies and guidelines was identified and used to compare the nature and content of South African public universities’ social media policies and guidelines. Through comparative content analysis, the content of the universities’ social media policy and guidelines was compared, similarities and variances between were drawn, and the role of social media policies and guidelines was further explored. Finally, the knowledge of staff and students at the Nelson Mandela University in respect to the university’s social media policy and guidelines was measured and described through the use of a survey questionnaire and statistical analysis of the data collected. The results of the analysis indicated an overall medium level of awareness for both staff and students, with a mean average score of 3.2; while both groups demonstrated an overall high level of compliance towards the social media policy and guidelines, with a mean average score of 4.3. By addressing the primary objective, the contribution made by this study thus informs the Nelson Mandela University of the extent to which its social media policy and guidelines align with those of other South African public universities, and it indicates where the Nelson Mandela University should look to improve its staff and students’ awareness of and compliance with its social media policy and guidelines. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Towards a thriving youth culture: a framework for the development and empowerment of rural unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Mugabe, Tanaka Candida
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55053 , vital:49026
- Description: The basis for youth employment and development in rural areas encapsulates transformation which brings about freedom in terms of economic growth as well as social stability. nevertheless, research provides evidence that one of the complex dilemmas in South Africa and across the globe is youth unemployment. Statistics South Africa in 2019 estimated that 70,9% of the total number of unemployed citizens are youths, with consequences that have a far-reaching impact on their quality of life and future prospects; thus, a social problem that requires urgent redress. In addition, there is evidence that youth unemployment is more prominent in rural than urban areas. It is for this reason that this study focused on the lived experiences of unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, a rural locality in South Africa to better understand the complexity and multifaceted unemployment phenomenon. Youth unemployment requires an understanding of its nature; especially, when considering and/or implementing interventions. Although the youth may share common denominators such as their culture, being unemployed and have a need for development and empowerment, youths experience their world as individuals and differently. Ensuring positive development and thriving requires insightful understanding about lived experiences of unemployed youths, as well as the immediate effect and long-standing impact caused by the nature of interaction between youths and their broader ecological environment. The research findings in this thesis highlight that whether as a source (self) or re-source (cocreator) of human capital, unemployed youth have the capacity to thrive and/or to enable thriving. Thus, an intervention initiative should create a culture of thriving; the latter, both a means and end, irrespective of the adversity in which unemployed youths find themselves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Mugabe, Tanaka Candida
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55053 , vital:49026
- Description: The basis for youth employment and development in rural areas encapsulates transformation which brings about freedom in terms of economic growth as well as social stability. nevertheless, research provides evidence that one of the complex dilemmas in South Africa and across the globe is youth unemployment. Statistics South Africa in 2019 estimated that 70,9% of the total number of unemployed citizens are youths, with consequences that have a far-reaching impact on their quality of life and future prospects; thus, a social problem that requires urgent redress. In addition, there is evidence that youth unemployment is more prominent in rural than urban areas. It is for this reason that this study focused on the lived experiences of unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, a rural locality in South Africa to better understand the complexity and multifaceted unemployment phenomenon. Youth unemployment requires an understanding of its nature; especially, when considering and/or implementing interventions. Although the youth may share common denominators such as their culture, being unemployed and have a need for development and empowerment, youths experience their world as individuals and differently. Ensuring positive development and thriving requires insightful understanding about lived experiences of unemployed youths, as well as the immediate effect and long-standing impact caused by the nature of interaction between youths and their broader ecological environment. The research findings in this thesis highlight that whether as a source (self) or re-source (cocreator) of human capital, unemployed youth have the capacity to thrive and/or to enable thriving. Thus, an intervention initiative should create a culture of thriving; the latter, both a means and end, irrespective of the adversity in which unemployed youths find themselves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12